Would you do it all over again?

rnffemtguy, BSN, RN · May 7, 2009

I have to say yes I would, I'd probably do it younger & take a different educational route (BSN vs ADN) though. I love the patient interaction, helping others, and the pay isn't bad to boot!

Wise Woman RN · May 7, 2009

No, I wouldn't...

hellerd2003, RN · May 7, 2009

Nope. Never have I worked in a profession which is so disrespected, not only by patients and MD's, but also your peers (eating one's young). Nursing was a second career for me, and in hindsight I'd keep the lower pay for the level of respect I had.

mama_d, BSN, RN · May 7, 2009

I would, in a heartbeat. But I'd go the RN route from the get-go if it was at all possible...I'll have been a LPN for well over a decade by the time I get my ASN at the rate I've been able to go.

I truly love being a nurse. I don't always enjoy the crap we have to put up with, but knowing that I'm part of a team that is helping most patients to achieve their optimum is priceless. For me, it's dealing with death that drives it home the most. When I'm in a rapid response or code situation, knowing that I helped to save a person's life, or exhausted all options in trying to, is practically awe-inspiring. On the flip side, dealing with oncology patients, knowing that I'm one of the people who helps them to live their life to their fullest through exploring treatment options and, sadly and all too often, being one of the people who is there to make sure that they die in as much comfort as is possible, gives me the same feeling of satisfaction.

True, if it wasn't me there, it would be someone else doing the same thing. But it IS me, and it's so worth it to be that person.

Chaya, ASN, RN · May 7, 2009

Yes, I would. I would trust my gut this time around , do it younger, and take advantage of the variety of opportunities to do critical care, travel nursing, etc. School would have been harder as I was able to not work while I was in school and we werre more financially stable. But scheduling around childcare might have been easier with 12 hour shifts but working fewer days, or getting out at 3P, or doing some hours overnight or on the weekend.

Straydandelion · May 7, 2009

I don't think I would at this time. While I like nursing and it is very rewarding personally, it is not for those looking at retirement, or even a large increase in pay as the years accumulate. Though benefits even in the 'regular" work-force are getting skimpy, nursing paved the way offering none for years. Nursing is mainly, and I emphasize the "mainly" because that is not always the case.. for the young as far as physical ability/functioning with lack of sleep/long hours/rotating schedules etc.

YankeeHater · May 7, 2009

Yes. I think for some people it is just something that we were meant to do. It's definitely not an easy job and thank God there are people like us out there who are willing to do it. Not to toot our own horns or anything... but nurses tend to rule. :cool:

diane227, LPN, RN · May 7, 2009

I have been a nurse for 31 years. There is almost nothing that I have not seen in my career but I learn something new every day. I can't imagine doing anything else. I am 54 now and plan to work until I am 70 if I can.

Midwest4me · May 7, 2009

Nope. Too much disrespect by peers, patients, supervisors. I can't wait to retire in another 7-8 years. Our trucks will be paid for, major bills paid off so we can move home to the midwest.

chicookie, BSN, RN · May 7, 2009

IDK. I am still to new to know if it is going to turn out good or not. I love it so far.

imenid37 · May 7, 2009

Sure. I think the first two to three years as a nurse are the roughest. I would like to see some better supports in place to help new grads or maybe change the educational system. For example, everyone starts as an ADN and works for two years and takes some classes, is granted a BSN, then sits for another exam and gets a substantial raise and a new title. Once they are a BSN, part of their job is to mentor new grads through their BSN process. We need to focus on retention and comradery. Many nurses have the attitude that it was awful to be new, so I will be helpful to the new nurses and students. Others feel being treated like cr*p is a rite of passage and that that you have achieved a certain "status" when you can dole out the cr*p. It reminds me of hazing in a sorority. Sorry to be off track, but I a m glad I stuck with it and I hope in my own way to change things for the better in my own corner of the world for other nurses. Being a nurse in OB, with all of its frustations (and there are many) is truly a fabulous job.